Lidia Yuknavitch Edited New Anthology on Menopause
The Big M collects essays from thirteen writers to reshape cultural perspectives on menopause and perimenopause.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Sex Life
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Editor Lidia Yuknavitch has released a new book of essays titled The Big M. This collection features thirteen writers sharing personal experiences with menopause and perimenopause.
Why it matters
The book seeks to expand the cultural space surrounding menopause by centering women's lived experiences. By compiling these diverse accounts, the project aims to rebrand common understandings of this life stage.
The anthology features 13 writers including Oregon-based contributors who provide distinct perspectives on the transition. The project is centered on rebranding the narrative of menopause.
The players
Lidia Yuknavitch
She is an author and the editor who led the compilation of the anthology.
Cheryl Strayed
She is a writer who contributed an essay to the new collection.
Monica Drake
She is a Portland-based writer who shared her experience in the book.
The details
The collection includes contributions from notable writers like Cheryl Strayed and Monica Drake. It utilizes unified but distinct perspectives to offer a fresh look at the physical and emotional realities of perimenopause and menopause.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Article publication date.
Culture Shift
This project participates in the broader cultural trend of using personal essay collections to reclaim and rebrand historical taboos surrounding women's health milestones. It reflects a shift away from medicalized framing toward empowered storytelling.
Readers in Oregon may find the anthology helpful for connecting with regional voices who have shared their personal health stories. The collection offers a practical framework for individuals to re-evaluate their own experiences with menopause.
The takeaway
The Big M offers a collaborative approach to demystifying a significant life transition through diverse personal accounts. Readers can look to such collections to find community and validation in shared biological experiences.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving perspectives on intimacy and health in the Sex Life section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Opb.
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